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  1. #1
    Senior Member Sigmund's Avatar
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    Birthright True20 questions

    First question relates to magic. Do ya'all feel that the arcane/divine split in Birthright magic means that the "styles" or "feel" of each system should be different, or can they be very similar because they both ultimately stem from divine power? I'm asking because I have a choice in True20, I can use the default True20 magic system and split it into different groups to fit the divine and arcane sources. I can also use True Sorcery for arcane magic and draw some of the default system's powers for the divine magic. I am inclined to keep it (relatively) simple and just split the default system, but I'd love to get feedback from other Birthright lovers who might also be familiar with True20.

    Next question has to do with posting. Once I get a conversion pulled together, may I post it online so others can see/use it? Will I have to ask WotC?

    Thanks ya'all.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sigmund
    First question relates to magic. Do ya'all feel that the arcane/divine split in Birthright magic means that the "styles" or "feel" of each system should be different, or can they be very similar because they both ultimately stem from divine power? I'm asking because I have a choice in True20, I can use the default True20 magic system and split it into different groups to fit the divine and arcane sources. I can also use True Sorcery for arcane magic and draw some of the default system's powers for the divine magic. I am inclined to keep it (relatively) simple and just split the default system, but I'd love to get feedback from other Birthright lovers who might also be familiar with True20.

    Next question has to do with posting. Once I get a conversion pulled together, may I post it online so others can see/use it? Will I have to ask WotC?

    Thanks ya'all.
    I'm not sure what you mean by `both ultimately stem from divine power'. Arcane magic is driven by maeghaigl, while divine magic comes from the gods.

    The division between the two is very important to Birthright, both historically and thematically. The normal have the mechanics working similarly (fire and forget), but the spell choices are radically different.

    In my campaign, i actually use different systems for each- i think it helps highlight the differences between the two, giving each it's own feel.

    As for your conversion- i think that will depend on what is included. It should be built as a conversion guide. That is, don't put in any fluff. Just explain how the mechanics differ. Arcane Adepts can use Power X, but not Y. Divine Adepts can use Power Y but not X. That sort of thing. Stick to that i think you're safe.


    -Fizz

  3. #3
    Senior Member Sigmund's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fizz
    I'm not sure what you mean by `both ultimately stem from divine power'. Arcane magic is driven by maeghaigl, while divine magic comes from the gods.
    What I mean by "both ultimately stem from divine power" is that, other than the limited low magic, the power of divine blood is required to sense and manipulate the power of even arcane magic.

    The division between the two is very important to Birthright, both historically and thematically. The normal have the mechanics working similarly (fire and forget), but the spell choices are radically different.
    The mechanics are what I mean by division. Even using the default magic system of True20, priests will have different powers than wizards, but the mechanics will be the same. By using True Sorcery, I can give each style of magic it's own mechanics as well, but at the cost of simplicity (which is the hallmark of True20). So my question really is do ya'all experienced BR players feel that it would enhance the setting to give each magic it's own system, or is it ok to just have different powers, but the same mechanics?

    As for your conversion- i think that will depend on what is included. It should be built as a conversion guide. That is, don't put in any fluff. Just explain how the mechanics differ. Arcane Adepts can use Power X, but not Y. Divine Adepts can use Power Y but not X. That sort of thing. Stick to that i think you're safe.


    -Fizz
    It will really be almost all mechanics conversion, but I will have to include some BR IP, such as the names of the gods, the names of nations, etc.

    Thanks for your reply.

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    Site Moderator kgauck's Avatar
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    I have arcane and divine spells cast using different mechanics. Divine spellcasters use a system of spell points and may cast spells spontaneously. Clerics, druids, and bards are divine spellcasters. Arcane spellcasters use the standard core rules for wizards and bards.

    I prefer to have the feel different for arcane and divine spellcasting. Some of it is window dressing and some is mechanical.

    Keep in mind that elves have always had arcane magic while humans have always had divine magic. These are two distinct sources of power. Elves still require no divine anything to access maeghaigl. The only divine connection to arcane magic is that humans need a bloodline of the old gods (who presumably no longer grant any spells) to be able to access maeghaigl. But its really no different than using divine spellcasting to access the shadow world, a talent which halflings have naturally, just as elves can naturally access the native magic of the land.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Sigmund's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kgauck

    Keep in mind that elves have always had arcane magic while humans have always had divine magic. These are two distinct sources of power. Elves still require no divine anything to access maeghaigl. The only divine connection to arcane magic is that humans need a bloodline of the old gods (who presumably no longer grant any spells) to be able to access maeghaigl. But its really no different than using divine spellcasting to access the shadow world, a talent which halflings have naturally, just as elves can naturally access the native magic of the land.
    Thanks for the reply. I have always viewed elves as having a spark of the divine in them, which would also explain their longevity and reluctance to worship beings who they consider to be almost equals. Plus, I have always viewed the gods as being tied to the land and people just like the scions are. Guess I need to just figure out how I want it to work, but I do appreciate the input because I have to consider what my players (who are as yet unfamiliar with True20 and how it works) might like. I confess part of my reluctance to include True Sorcery is that my players still have to learn True20's system (although other than magic it's very similar to DnD in many ways), and adding in True Sorcery would just add that much more complexity. They're all smart guys and experienced gamers though so maybe I should just let go of my reservations and dive into it . You guys are right, using the separate mechanics would give very different flavors to the two.

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    Senior Member ploesch's Avatar
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    I feel the BRCS is a particularly suitable setting to have great variance in the way that Divine and Arcane spell casting is performed.
    When you play the game of thrones you win or you die.
    George R. R. Martin - A song of Ice and Fire

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